Gundam Fans Unite: New Hathaway’s Flash Film Sparks Excitement in Tokyo

If you’ve ever been captivated by the world of anime, or if the name 機動戦士ガンダム (Kidou Senshi Gandamu) - "Mobile Suit Gundam" - rings a bell, then you’re in for a treat. On a frosty January evening in 2026, Tokyo’s Kabukicho Cinecity Square was electric with anticipation as passionate fans gathered for the “Senkou no Senkou Kekki Shukai” (Flash of Lightning Rally). This event celebrated the pre-release of the latest Gundam film, 機動戦士ガンダム 閃光のハサウェイ キルケーの魔女 (Kidou Senshi Gandamu Senkou no Hasawai Kiruke no Majo) - "Mobile Suit Gundam: Hathaway’s Flash - Witch of Circe." Despite the last-minute announcement, fans braved the cold to mark the first new installment in this saga in five years. Let’s dive into the highlights of this unforgettable night and uncover some authentic Japanese language gems along the way!

A Long-Awaited Premiere Ignites Passion

Held on January 18, 2026, the event was a landmark for Gundam enthusiasts, building hype for the 公開 (koukai) - "release" of キルケーの魔女 (Kiruke no Majo) on January 30. Voice actor Kensho Ono, who brings protagonist Hathaway Noa to life, shared his excitement with the crowd at the 会場 (kaijou) - "venue," saying he was filled with a sense of apology for the long wait. His exact words captured a heartfelt emotion: “お待たせしました！という気持ちでいっぱい” (Omatase shimashita! to iu kimochi de ippai) - "I’m filled with the feeling of ‘Sorry to keep you waiting!’" He teased the audience with hints about the film, eager to see their 反応 (hannou) - "reaction" after the screening, while steering clear of spoilers. Reina Ueda, voicing Gigi Andalusia, added that this chapter unveils new layers of beloved characters, fueling the 熱狂 (nekkyou) - "frenzy" among the ファン (fan) - "fans."

Ono reflected on the first chapter from 2021, admitting the sparse dialogue and deep subtext were challenging but ultimately rewarding. He urged fans to rewatch it before the premiere for the fullest experience. Ueda, with a laugh, noted the mixed fan reactions to Gigi—some loved her, others were frustrated—highlighting the character’s complex allure. A 生アフレコ (nama afureko) - "live dubbing" session by the duo, recreating a scene outdoors, had the crowd shouting “Saikou!” (The best!), despite the actors’ nerves in such an unconventional setting.

A Shocking Twist with “Fake Mafty”

Midway through, a サプライズ (sapuraizu) - "surprise" stole the show as “Fake Mafty,” a pumpkin-headed figure from the first chapter, appeared on screen, claiming to hijack the event. This mysterious character, who’s been “taking over” the film’s social media and appearing around Tokyo for promotions, added a playful twist. When challenged by Ono to reveal themselves, Fake Mafty emerged in person, shedding the pumpkin head to unveil comedian Kemuri Matsui of Reiwa Roman. Matsui joked about the costume’s limited visibility making him feel like he was piloting a Mobile Suit. Having watched 閃光のハサウェイ (Senkou no Hasawai) - "Hathaway’s Flash" for the role, he praised its mature tone, especially for longtime fans familiar with classics like 逆襲のシャア (Gyakushuu no Shaa) - "Char’s Counterattack."

[Alexandros] Sets the Stage on Fire

The 熱狂 (nekkyou) - "enthusiasm" reached new heights when rock band [Alexandros] performed, opening with “Girl A” and following with “Koeru” (To Overcome), the theme for ウマ娘 シンデレラグレイ (Uma Musume Cinderella Gray). Frontman Yohei Kawakami spoke about their song 閃光 (Senkou) - "Flash," the theme for Hathaway’s Flash, thanking fans for its viral success. Marking their 16th year, he shared their “rookie mindset” approach, choosing this gritty Shinjuku 会場 (kaijou) - "venue" for their first 2026 performance. Their finale of 閃光 (Senkou) sent the crowd wild, with Kawakami even running through the press area to connect with fans in the stands.

Cultural Context: Gundam as a Japanese Icon

For those new to this universe, 機動戦士ガンダム (Kidou Senshi Gandamu) isn’t just an anime—it’s a cultural cornerstone in Japan since 1979. It weaves intricate tales of war, politics, and human struggle through epic robot battles. The 閃光のハサウェイ (Senkou no Hasawai) arc, set after pivotal stories like 逆襲のシャア (Gyakushuu no Shaa), centers on Hathaway Noa’s internal and external conflicts, mirroring Japan’s storytelling obsession with generational tension and moral grayness. Events like this rally in Kabukicho—a district pulsing with vibrant, sometimes rebellious energy—show how anime culture spills into public life, uniting communities. Unique experiences like 生アフレコ (nama afureko) - "live dubbing" also deepen fan-creator bonds, a tradition you won’t often see outside Japan.

Learn Japanese from This Article

Let’s turn this exciting event into a learning opportunity! Here are some key words and grammar points straight from the buzz of Kabukicho Square, taught the way Japanese kids learn—through context and real usage.

Key Vocabulary

Grammar Spotlight

〜という気持ちでいっぱい (to iu kimochi de ippai) - "Filled with the feeling of ~"

This expression captures an overwhelming emotion tied to a specific thought or phrase. It’s often used in heartfelt or reflective moments, like Kensho Ono’s comment at the event.

• Structure: [Phrase/Quote] + という気持ちでいっぱい
• Examples:
  • ありがとうという気持ちでいっぱいです。 (Arigatou to iu kimochi de ippai desu.) - "I’m filled with the feeling of gratitude."
  • やっと会えたという気持ちでいっぱいだ。 (Yatto aeta to iu kimochi de ippai da.) - "I’m filled with the feeling of finally meeting you."
  • お待たせしましたという気持ちでいっぱい！ (Omatase shimashita to iu kimochi de ippai!) - "I’m filled with the feeling of ‘Sorry to keep you waiting!’"

Use this when you want to express a deep, specific emotion dominating your thoughts—perfect for sincere apologies or joyful reunions.

〜にもかかわらず (ni mo kakawarazu) - "Despite, in spite of"

This phrase highlights a contrast, often used formally or in writing, but you’ll hear it in speeches or dramatic contexts too. It fits the fans’ dedication at the event.

• Structure: [Situation/Condition] + にもかかわらず + [Contrasting Result]
• Examples:
  • 寒さにもかかわらず、ファンが集まった。 (Samusa ni mo kakawarazu, fan ga atsumatta.) - "Despite the cold, fans gathered."
  • 遅い時間にもかかわらず、会場は賑やかだった。 (Osoi jikan ni mo kakawarazu, kaijou wa nigiyaka datta.) - "Despite the late hour, the venue was lively."
  • 緊張にもかかわらず、素晴らしい演技をした。 (Kinchou ni mo kakawarazu, subarashii engi o shita.) - "Despite the nerves, they gave a wonderful performance."

This is great for describing situations where the outcome defies expectations, showing resilience or determination.

Continue Learning

Want to build on what you’ve picked up here? Check out these lessons for deeper insights into authentic Japanese:

• Greetings and Self-Introductions: Authentic Entry Phrases: Curious about the Japanese used here? Our Greetings and Self-Introductions: Authentic Entry Phrases lesson covers this in depth.
• Wa vs. Ga: Emphasizing Importance in Sentences: Want to learn more about は? Check out our lesson on Wa vs. Ga: Emphasizing Importance in Sentences.
• Ni, De, and E: Mapping Directions and Locations: Ready to dive deeper? Our lesson on Ni, De, and E: Mapping Directions and Locations will help you master these concepts.

Learning Japanese the way it’s taught in Japan means connecting language to real moments like this Gundam rally. Keep exploring, and you’ll soon be chatting about your favorite anime with native flair! これからもよろしくお願いします。 Kore kara mo yoroshiku onegaishimasu.